Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism



April 18, 1961 M. GORDON MENSTRUAL CYCLE INDICATING MECHANISM 3Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 14, 1958 INVENTOR, MflUQ/CE GOQDO/V A ril 18,1961 M. GORDON MENSTRUAL CYCLE INDICATING MECHANISM Filed July 14, 19583 Sheets-Sheet 2 I We, sill/1117111 5 5 I I I I I I I I I I I I I 9 2a 5i IN V EN TOR, MQt/Q/CE 60800 FTTUQA/EI April 18, 1961 M. GORDONMENSTRUAL CYCLE INDICATING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 14,1958 I N V EN TOR, MQl/Q/CE 60200/8/ 6 Q MW annex/EV United StatesPatent '9 MENSTRUAL CYCLE INDICATING MECHANISM Maurice Gordon, 4523Sancola Ave., North Hollywod,-Calif.

Filed July 14, 1958, Ser.'No. 748,261

19 Claims. (Cl. 58-5) The invention relates to mechanism which willenable women to keep accurate account of ovulation and menstrualperiods.

It is an object of this invention to provide mechanism such as describedwhich reliably may be operated by an electric clock or a spring operatedclock to indicate on the clock face the times and extent of menstrualand ovulation periods.

It is another object of this invention to provide signalling mechanismsuch as described which readily may be manually set to suit theparticular womans menstrual cycle and thereafter actuated to indicatethe times of ovulation and other significant data relating to the cycle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide novel mechanism ofthe character described which, when set in accordancewith the estimatedovarian cycle of the particular woman, will enable the Woman to beapprised of the following information:

(1) The interval of time which elapses between the menstrual periods,and where such intervals are of varying length, the extent and patternof such irregularity.

(2) The probable day of the onset of a menstrual period with requiring acomputation based upon the varying-number of days in calendar months.

(3) The number of days, from day to day, which have passed since thefirst day of the last menstrual period without requiring any computationafter proper setting of the mechanism.

.(4) The determination in advance of the next onset of the menstrualperiod, as to when ovulation has taken place.

(5) The interval between menstrual periods when the particular woman isfertile or infertile.

(6) The period of time best suited for conception.

A further object of this invention is to provide clock operatedsignalling mechanism such as described wherein signalling meansincluding a novel arrangement of simply constructed signalling members,manually operable setting means for such members, including manuallyoperable stop means, and a gear train for driving the signalling membersfrom the ClGCliWOrkS, provide the objects and advantages hereof in aparticularly efficacious manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide signallingmechanism such as described which is operable in consideration of thepassage of any selected number of 24-hour days without depending uponthe calendar and is subject to efiicient use according to any of anumber of theories such as may be recommendedby physicians to suitparticular women.

Other objects and advantages of the invention willbe ice hereinafterdescribed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art and thenovel features of the invention Willbe defined intheappended claims.

Referringto thedrawings:

Fig. l;is a perspective view of mechanism of thepres- .ent invention asembodied in a clock;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2' 2 of'Fig.'1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

parts in a different position than shown in Figs. 6 and 7;

and

Fig. 9 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 6 with parts adjustedto a different position than shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

The embodiment of this invention as shown in the accompanying drawing isincorporated with an electrically operated clock, but it is to beunderstood that the signalling mechanism of this invention constitutes aunit that may be operated by any suitable timing means or in factmanually, inasmuch as this invention is deemed to includethe signallingunit arranged so that it may be actuated in properly timed relationmanually or otherwise.

The electrically operated clock here shown as one example of timingmeans that may be employed for actuating the signalling unit of thepresent invention, is conventional and includes the usual housing 1,frame 2, clockworks 3, electric motor 4, dial 5, hands 6, transparentclock face 6 and setting means 7 for the hands.

In accordance with this invention, signalling means comprising elementsto be hereinafter more fully described, are mounted to rotate about thehour hand and minute hand shaft assembly of the olockworks so thatsignalling indicia on the signalling elements will be visible through anopening or window 8 formed in the dial 5 of the clock, there being agear train also to be hereinafter described, driven by the clockworks soas to move the signalling elements in properly timed relation to presentsignals at prescribed times.

In association with the signalling means and the clock are manuallyoperable setting means operable as Will be hereinafter described to setthe signalling elements in predetermined relative positions for makingprescribed signals at predetermined times.

But little change in the construction of a conventional clock isrequired to embody the signalling means of the invention therein foroperation by the clock. It is only necessary to provide adequate spacebetween the clockworks frame 2 and the rear face of the clock dial 5 toaccommodate the signalling element.

The formation of the window 8 in the dial 5, the provision of mountingmeans on the main shaft assembly 1% of the clock for supporting thesignalling elements, and the additionof a simple gear train and themanually operable setting means for the signalling elements, do notrequire reconstruction or material changes of the arrangement ofelements of the clock.

'works in accordance with this invention.

As here shown, the signalling elements include a circular disk 12 andtwo disk segments 13 and 14 disposed in axially spaced relation to oneanother between the clockworks frame 2 and the dial so that portionsthereof will be visible through the dial window 8.

As shown in Fig. 5, an arbor 15 is mounted on the shaft assembly of theclock for supportingand driving the disks 12, 13 and 14, the arbor beingsupported to rotate freely on the shaft assembly 10 and adapted to bedriven by a gear train which is added to the clock- This gear trainincludes, as shown in Fig. 3, a drive pinion 16 driven by the hour shaft17 of the shaft unit 10 of the clock and which in turn drives the gears18, 19, 20 and 21, suitably supported on the rear side of the wall 2a ofthe frame 2. The gear 21 drives a shaft 22 journalled in the wall 2a. Asshown in Fig. 4, the shaft 22 drives a pinion 23 on the opposite side ofthe wall 2a. The pinion 23 drives a gear 24 fixed to the arbor 15. Aspring clutch member 25 is operatively disposed between shaft 22 andgear 21 and constitutes a friction drive means for driving shaft 22 andconsequently pinion 23, upon rotation of gear 21. This friction drivemeans provides for the pinion 23 driving the gear 24 when the gear 21 isdriven by the clockworks but makes it possible for the pinion 23 to bedriven relative to the gear 21 upon rotation of pinion 23 when settingthe signalling disks in the manner hereinafter described.

Provision is also made for a friction drive of the signalling disks 13and 14. As shown in Fig. 5, the disk 12 and the disk segment 13 aremounted on a reduced portion of the arbor 15 between a shoulder 15b anda stop ring 150 fixed to the arbor. The disk 12 is mounted so as torotate with the arbor 15, and to frictionally drive the segment 13through a spring member 26 mounted on the arbor and frictionally engagedwith opposed faces of the disks 12 and 13 respectively. This springmember 26 urges the disk 12 against the shoulder 15b and the disksegment 13 against the stop ring 150, thereby serving as a frictionaldriving medium between the disk 12 and the disk segment 13. Thisarrangement makes it possible to rotate the arbor 15 and disk 12relative to the disk segment 13 as required in setting the disks in amanner to be hereinafter described.

The other disk segment 14 is mounted on a reduced portion 15d of thearbor 15, between a shoulder 15a on the arbor and a stop ring 15 fixedto the arbor, there being a spring 27 arranged on the arbor to provide afriction drive between the disk 14 and the arbor, in the same manner asthe spring member 26, whereby the arbor 15, disk 12 and disk segment 13may be rotated relative to the disk segment 14 in setting the disks, aswill be hereinafter described.

As shown in Figs. 6-9, the circular signalling disk 12 is provided onits outer face adjacent the periphery thereof with signalling indicia.In this instance, the indicia comprises the numerals 1 through 36equidistantly spaced and consecutively arranged so that one numeral at atime will be visible through the dial window 8. These numerals representany consecutive number of 24 hour days in the signalling system providedby this mechanism.

The gear ratio of the gear train driven as hereinbefore described by theclockworks, is such that the disk 12 will be rotated at a rate to show adifferent one of the 36 numbers thereon at the dial window 8, each 24hour day during operation of the clock.

The signalling disk segments 13 and 14 as here shown are of like size,each being dimensioned to cover 8 of the numerals on the disk 12,although if desired the size of these disks may be varied if a lesser orgreater number of numerals are to be covered per disk. In order that thenumerals on the disk 12 be visible at the window 8 through the disksegments 13 and 14, the latter are transparent and of differentappearance from one another so as to be distinguished one from the otherand the disk 12. As here shown this is accomplished by having the disks12, 13 and 14 of different colors, the disk 12 for example being whiteand the disk segments 13 and 14 of a different reddish hue.

It is desired that the disk segments 13 and 14 be adjnsted, as shown inFig. 6, to lie one over the other in matched relation to one another soas to overlie eight of the consecutive numerals on the disk 12. Also itis desired that these disks be relatively moved as indicated in Figs. 8and 9, to overlie more than eight of the numerals on the disk 12. Asmany as 16 consecutive numerals may be covered by the two disk segmentswhen the latter are in maximum relative adjustment with adjacent edgessubstantially disposed on a common radial plane.

The relative adjustment of the disks12, 13 and 14 is effected by settingmeans which includes, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, a setting shaft 30rotatably mounted on the clock frame 2 and operable on the back of theclock by means of a knurled handle 31. This setting shaft rotates apinion 32 which through a gear 33 on the wall 2a of the clock frame 2drives the arbor carried gear 24. Rotation of the arbor 15 as a resultof rotation of the setting shaft 30 will cause the disks 12, 13 and 14to be rotated in unison, while friction drive spring 25 enables theresultant relative rotation of shaft 22 and gear 21 which is constantlydriven through gears 16, 18, 19 and 20.

If, while facing the front of the clock, the person seeking to set thedisks 12, 13 and 14, rotates the shaft 30 in a clockwise direction, thedisks are also rotated in a clockwise direction. Counterclockwiserotation of this shaft likewise effects a counterclockwise rotationofthe signalling disks. During this rotative movement of thearbor-carried gear 24, the driving pinion 23 operated by the clockworks,turns freely relatively to the gear 21 on the shaft 22 by reason of thefriction drive spring 25 previously described.

Since all of the disks 12, 13 and 14 turn with the arbor 15 during asetting operation, it is necessary to effect relative movement betweenthese disks to set them as desired. Accordingly, stop means are providedas a part of the setting means, for selectively stopping rotation ofdisk segments 13 and 14. This stop means as shown in Figs. 2 and 6,includes a pair of stop plungers 36 and 37 slidably supported by theclock frame 2 for movement into position to arrest movement of the disksegments 13 and 14. Each plunger is normally disposed in retractedposition, as shown in Fig. 2, by means of the spring 3? confined on theplunger between the wall 2a and a spacer sleeve 39' which latter abutsthe rear wall 2b of the clock frame 2. With this arrangement theplungers 36 and 37 must be held in depressed -01 inwardly extendedposition in the manner hereinafter described when turning the settingshaft 30 to set the disk segments 13 and 14. The springs 39 will retractthe plungers 36 and 37 upon release of the plungers by the operator.

The stop plunger 36 is nearer to the shaft assembly 10 about which thedisk segments 13 and 14 are rotatable and when depressed, will presentthe inner end thereof in position to be engaged by the left hand radialedges 13a and 14a of both segments when these seg ments are rotated in aclockwise direction. The location of the plunger 36 with relation to thedial window 8 is such that when the disk segment edges 13a and 14a abutthe plunger, they are visible at the window, thereby readily making itpossible for the operator to ascertain thatthe segments lie onecompletely over the other in matched relation, as shown in Fig. 6. Whilethe segments 13 and 14 are held in this manner against clockwiserotation by the plunger 36, continued turning of the setting shaft 39 ina clockwise direction will cause the circular disk 12 to rotate in aclockwise direction. As a result of this continued rotation of disk 12any of the numerals thereon may be brought into view at the window 8.This will provide for the setting of the edges 13a and 14a of disksegments 13 and 14 in fixed relation to a selected numeral on the disk12 so that the operator is then aware that the seven other of thenumerals disposed consecutively to the right of the visible numeral willbe covered by the disk segments 13 and 14.

The disk segment 14 is outermost of the disk segment 13, being providedwith a peripheral. shoulder 14b adapted to engage the stop plunger 37when the latter is depressed. The plunger 37 isv located to one side ofthe plunger 36 and in such a position that when depressed and so heldwhile the plunger 36 is retracted, and before rotating the arbor 15 anddisks 12, 13 and 14 in a counterclockwise direction, the inner end ofthe plunger 37 will be disposed to be engaged by the shoulder 14bthereby arresting the counterclockwise rotation of the disk 14. When thedisk segment 14 is arrested in this manner the previous setting of thedisk segment 13 is not disturbed, since the plunger 37 is not in thepath of disk segment 13 and the spring friction drive member 26 willhold the disk segment 13 against turning relative to the disk 12.Consequently continuedcounterclockwise rotation of disk 12 and segment13 relative to the arrested disk segment 14 may take place to cause thedisk segment 13 to be moved relative to disk segment 14 to any extent sothat more than the original 8 numerals, up to 16 of the numerals, may beconsecutively covered by the two disk segments.

If the two disk segments 13 and 14 have beenset as shown in Fig. 6, tooverlie, for example, the eight consecutive numerals 7 through 14 on thedisk 12, and it is desired to effect an adjustment so that the two disksegments will overlie twelve of the numerals reading consecutively from7 through 18 hen the aforesaid counterclockwise rotation of the disk 12and segments 13 and 14 to arrest the segment 14 by means of the plunger37 is carried out. When the disk segment 14 is restrained or arrested bythe plunger 37, the counterclockwise rotation of disks 12 and 13 iscontinued until the disk 12 has been moved sufiiciently to bring thenumeral 18 thereon into view at the window under the edge portion 14a ofthe disk segment 14. When this takes place the operator knows that thetwo coloreddisk segments 13 and 14 are positioned to overlie the twelvenumerals 7 through 18.

It should be borne in mind that the two colored disk segments 13 and 14may be set to cover 8 consecutive .nurnerals on the disk 12 or anyadditional number up to 16 consecutive numbers and that at theappropriate time, according to the setting of the disk 12 to reveal aparticular numeral, one of these numerals covered by the colored disksegments will be revealed each 24 hour day.

The mechanism of this invention may be adjusted and operated accordingto any recognized rhythm cycle theory suited to the particular woman. Acalendar need not be depended upon, since all significant uses of themechanism may be based upon a visual signal being automaticallypresented each 24 hour day of any predetermined number of consecutivedays, according to the setting of the mechanism.

As an example of one use of the mechanism of this invention, it isassumed that the menstrual cycle of a particular woman according to arecognized or prescribed rhythm cycle theory or formula, indicates thather fertile period is between cycle days 7 and 18. Accordingly, themechanism is set by depressing the stop plunger 36 and then turning thesetting shaft 30 to rotate the disk 12 and disk segments 13 and 14 in aclockwise direction until the left hand edge portion of the two segments13 and 14 appear at the window 8. At this time the plunger 36 arrestsclockwise rotative movement of the segments 13 and 14 but does notinterfere with continued clockwise rotation of disk 12. This settingdisposes the disk segments 13 and 14in matched overlying relation to oneanother so as to cover eight numerals on the disk 12. At this timehowever, iclockwise rotation of the disk 12 is continued until thenumeral 7 appears in the window 8 under the left hand edge portions ofthe disk segments 13 and'14. Next, the plunger 36 is released and theplunger 37 is depressed while turning the shaft 30 to rotate the disk 12and segments 13 and 14, in a counterclockwise direction. Thiscounterclockwise rotation is continued to bring the shoulder 14b on thedisk segment 14 against the plunger 37 and thereby arrestcounterclockwise movement of segment 14. Further counterclockwisemovement of the disk 12 and segment 13 is now necessary to set thesegment 13 so that in combination with segment 14, the required numberof numerals on the disk 12 will be covered. During this furthercounterclockwise rotation, the disk 12 and segment 13 are moved relativeto the arrested disk segment 14, it beingnecessary usually to effectmore than one complete revolution of the disk 12 and segment 13 todispose the numeral 18 opposite the then right hand edge of the disksegment 13 at the window 8, thereby completing the setting suited to theparticular womans rhythm cycle.

Having set the mechanism as above described, the user on the first dayof her menstrual period sets the disk 12 to reveal the numeral 1 at theWindow 8. Since the plungers 36 and 37 are in retracted position and donot interfere with joint rotation of the disk 12 and segments 13 and 14,the segments 13 and 14 remain in the previously set position covering inthis instance the twelve fertile days according to the cycle, whilesetting the disk 12 to show the numeral 1.

Each 24 hour day of this setting, a different numeral appears at thewindow 8. When the numeral 7 appears, it shows up in a difierent colorthan the numeral which appeared the preceding day, and this indicates tothe user the beginning of her fertile days. Each day during this periodup to the twelfth day a new colored signal appears at the window 8,until on the thirteenth day, the uncolored or white numeral 19 appearsand this indicates the beginning of the non-fertile days in the cycle.

It is now apparent that the mechanism of this invention is subject toefficient use by women whose menstrual cycle varies from the usual 28day pattern, for example, between 26 and 30 or more days, inasmuch asthe operation of the mechanism does not depend upon calendarcomputation, but on the passage of any predetermined number of cycledays and is therefore adaptable to use according to any cycle varianceonce the latter is determined.

It should be noted that the use of the two disk segments 13 and 14 inaccordance with this invention renders the mechanism desirably flexiblefor accurate use by women whose menstrual cycle is such that thefertility period is greater than eight days. However, in instances wherethe fertility period is no more than eight days, then only one stopmember, such as the stop member 36, need be operated to set themechanism for indicating the fertility period. In the present form ofthis invention where the two segments 13 and 14 are arrested by the stopplunger 36, as hereinbefore noted, the two segments will serve as asingle signal for covering the eight numerals.

I claim:

1. In indicating mechanism of the character described: a main signallingmember having signal characters thereon; means rotatably mounting saidmember; means pro viding a window through which said characters arevisible; signal means; means mounting said signal means for rotationadjacent said main member; said signal means having a transparentportion through which are visible at said window during each revolutionof said main member a predetermined number of said characters less thanthe total number on said main member; said transparent portion having anappearance such that those 'of the characters visible therethrough aredistinguished in appearance from the other of said characters; africtional drive connection between said main member andsaid signalmeans providing for rotation of said signal means with. said main memberupon rotating the latter; said drive connection permitting said mainmember to be rotated relative to said signal means when said signalmeans is held against rotation; stop means movable into and from aposition for engaging said signal means and stopping movement thereofrelative to said signalling memher; and means for so moving said stopmeans.

2. In indicating mechanism for the purpose described: a main signallingmember having signal characters thereon; means rotatably mounting saidmember; means providing a window through which said characters arevisible one at a time; signal means; means mounting said signal meansfor rotation adjacent said main member; signal means including a diskhaving a transparent portion for overlying a predetermined number ofsaid characters less than the total number of said characters; saidtransparent portion having an appearance such that those of thecharacters visible therethrough at said Window are rendered distinct inappearance from the remainder of said characters; friction drive meansoperable to rotate said disk with said main member upon rotating thelatter and to permit said main member to rotate relative to said diskwhen said disk is held against rotation; setting means for rotating saidmain member; stop means movable into and from a position for engagingsaid signal means and stopping movement thereof relative to saidsignalling member; and means for so moving said stop means.

3. In indicating mechanism for the purpose described: a main signallingmember having signal characters thereon; means rotatably mounting saidmember; means providing a window through which said characters arevisible one at a time; signal means rotatable about the axis of saidmain member; said signal means including a pair of disks each having atransparent portion for overlying a predetermined number of saidcharacters less than the total number of said characters; saidtransparent portions having an appearance such that those of thecharacters visible therethrough at said window are distinct inappearance from the other of said characters; friction drive meansoperable to rot-ate both disks with said main mem ber upon rotation ofthe latter and to permit the main member to rotate relative to saiddisks when said disks are held against rotation; a first stop meansoperable to releasably hold both disks against rotation; and a secondstop means operable to releasably hold one of said disks againstrotation while the other disk and said main memher are rotated.

4. In indicating mechanism for the purpose described: a main signallingmember having signal characters thereon; means rotatably mounting saidmember; means providing a window through which said characters arevisible one at a time; signal means rotatable about the axis of saidmain member; said rotatable signal means including a pair of disks eachhaving a transparent portion for overlying a predetermined number ofsaid characters less than the total number of said characters; saidtransparent portions having an appearance such that those of thecharacters visible therethrough at said window are distinct inappearance from the other of said characters; friction drive meansoperable to rotate both disks with said main member upon rotation of thelatter and to permit the main member to rotate relative to said diskswhen said disks are held against rotation; setting means for effectingrotation of said disks; a first stop means operable during jointrotation in one direction of said main member and said disks, toreleasably arrest rotation of both of said disks; and a second stopmeans operable after release of said main member and disks by said firststop means and during rotation of said main member andsaid disks in theopposite direction to releasably arrest rotation of but one of saiddislm.

5. Indicating mechanism for the purpose described comprising: a mainsignalling disk having signal characters thereon; means rotatablymounting said disk; means providing a window through which saidcharacters are visible one at a time; a pair of disk segments rotatableon said mounting means in axially spaced relation to one another andsaid main disk; said segments having transparent portions through whichare visible at said window characters on said main disk during a portionof each revolution of the main disk; said transparent portions of saidsegments having an appearance such that the characters visibletherethrough are distinguished from the other of said characters;friction drive means between said main disk and said segments providingfor joint rotation of said main disk and segments; said friction drivemeans providing for rotation of the main disk relative to said segmentswhen either or both of the latter are held against rotation; settingmeans for rotating said segments and said main disk; a first stop meansoperable to hold both segments against rotation; and a second stop meansoperable to hold but one of said segments against rotation.

6. Clock operated menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: aclockworks; a main member having signal characters thereon; means insaid clockworks rotatably mounting said main member; drive meansoperatively connected with said clockworks for rotating said main memberat a predetermined rate; means providing a window through which saidcharacters are visible one at a time during rotation of said mainmember; signal means rotatable in said clockworks; said signal meanshaving a transparent portion for overlying a predetermined, number ofsaid characters less than the total number of said characters; saidtransparent portion having an appearance such that those of saidcharacters visible therethrough are rendered distinct in appearance fromthe other of said characters; friction drive means between said mainmember and said signal means providing for joint rotation of said mainmember and said signal means as well as for rotation of said main memberrelative to said signal means when the latter is held against rotation;setting means operable to rotate said main member and said signal means;stop means operable to releasably hold said signal means againstrotation during rotation of said main member by said setting means; saidstop means including a plunger movable into and out of the path ofmovement of said signal means; and means for so moving said plunger.

7. Clock operated menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: aclockworks; a main disk having signal characters thereon; means mountingsaid main disk for rotation on said clockworks; drive means operativelyconnecting said disk with said clockworks for rotating said disk at apredetermined rate; said drive means including means permitting saiddisk to be rotated relative to said drive means; means providing awindow through which said characters are visible one at a time duringrotation of said main disk; a pair of disk segments mounted to rotateabout the axis of said main disk; said segments being axially spacedfrom one another and said main disk and movable to overlie one anotherand portions of said main disk; said segments each having a transparentportion through which are visible at said window a number of saidcharacters less than the total number of said characters; saidtransparent portions being distinct in color from the color of said maindisk; friction drive means connecting said segments with said main diskto provide for joint rotation of said segments and main disk as well asrotation of said main disk relative to said segments when the latter areheld against rotation; setting means in said clockworks operable forrotating said main and segment disks; a first stop means operable toreleasably hold both segments against rotation; and a second stop meansoperable upon release of said first stop means to hold but one of saidsegments against rotation. 3

a'a'zassa 8. Menstrual r cycle 1 indicating mechanism comprising: a maindisk having a series o'fzsignalcharacters thereon representing a numberof consecutivedays; means rotatably mounting said disk; vmeans providinga window through which said characters are visible during rotation ofsaid disk; a disk segment mounted to rotate about said axis; drive meansbetween said main disk and said segment providing for rotation of saidsegment with said main disk also for'rotation of said main'disk relativeto said segment when the latter is held against rotation; said segmenthaving a transparent portion distinct in appearance from said main diskand through which are visible at said window a number of the charactersless than the total number thereof on the disk; the characters that arevisible through said transparent portion representing fertile days ofthe particular woman for whom the mechanism is set; setting meansoperable for rotating said main disk and said segment; means forstopping rotation of said disk segment; means mounting said stoppingmeans for movement into and out of position to releasably hold saidsegment against rotation whereby said setting means may be operated torotate said main disk to selectively dispose a group of said charactersin position to be viewed at said window through said transparentportion; and means for so moving said stop means.

9. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main disk having aseries of signal characters thereon representing a consecutive number ofdays; means mounting said disk for rotation about an axis; meansproviding a window through which said characters are visible duringrotation of said disk; a disk segment mounted to rotate about said axis;friction drive means between said main disk and said segment providingfor rotation of said segment with said main disk also for rotation ofsaid main disk relative to said segment when the latter is held againstrotation; said segment having a transparent portion distinct inappearance from said main disk and through which are visible at saidwindow a number of the characters less than the total number thereof onthe disk; the characters that are visible through said transparentportion representing at least the estimated number of fertile days ofthe particular woman for Whom the mechanism is set; setting meansconnected with said main disk operable for rotating said main disk andsaid segment; a stop member; means supporting said stop member formovement into and out of position to releasably hold said segmentagainst rotation whereby said setting means may be operated to rotatesaid main disk to selectively dispose a group of said characters inposition to be viewed one at a time at said Window through saidtransparent portion; means for so moving said stop member; and timeddriving means operatively connected with said main disk for rotatingsaid main disk and said segment at a rate such that a diiferent signalcharacter is made visible at said window every 24 hour day.

10. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main disk havinga series of signal characters thereon representing a consecutive numberof days; means mounting said disk for rotation about an axis; meansproviding a window throughwhich said characters are visible one at atime during rotation of said disk; a disk segment mounted to rotateabout said axis; friction drive means between said main disk and saidsegment providing for rotation of said segment with said main disk alsofor rotation of said main disk relative to said segment when the latteris held against rotation; said segment having a transparent portiondistinct in appearance from said main disk and through which are visibleone at a time at said window a number of the characters less than thetotal number thereof on the disk; the characters that are visiblethrough ing said main disk and said segment; a stop member;

means mounting said stop member for movement into and 10 fromapositionto releasably hold said segment against rotationwhereby saidisettingmeans may be operated 'to rotate said main disk to selectively dispose agroup of said characters in position to be viewed one ata time at saidWindow through said transparent portion; clock mechanism;means for somoving said. stop member; and

drive means between said clock mechanism and said main disk operabletorotate said main disk and said segment'as a unit at at rate such that .adifferent characteris made visible at said'window each 24 hour day.

ll. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising a main disk having aseries of signal characters thereon representing a number of consecutivedays: means mounting said disk for rotation about an axis; meansproviding a window through which said characters are visible one at atime during rotation of said disk; a pair of disk segments mounted torotate about said axis; said segments being axially spaced from oneanother and said main disk; said segments being movable between aposition lying one completely eclipsing the other and positions forjointly covering consecutively a greater number of said characters thanpossible with one segment; each segment having a transparent portionthrough which are visible one at a time at said window a number of saidcharacters less than the total number on said main disk arid whichrepresent cycle days before, during and after ovulation of theparticular woman for whom the mechanism is set; said transparentportions being of a different appearance than said main disk whereby thecharacters seen therethrough are rendered distinctive in appearance fromthe other of said characters; friction drive means providing forrotation of said segments with said main disk as well as for rotation ofsaid main disk relative to said segments when the latter are heldagainst rotation; a clockworks; a drive connection between saidclockworks and said main disk for rotating said main disk at a rate toreveal a different one of said characters at said window each 24 hourday; setting means manually operablev for rotating said main disk andsaid segments; a first stop means operable to releasably hold both ofsaid segments against movement whereby said main disk may be rotated todispose a selected number of said characters in a position to be visibleone at a time through said transparent portions at said window duringclockworks effective rotation of said main disk; and a second stop meansoperable to releasably hold one of said segments against rotationwhereby said setting means may be operated again to rotate said maindisk and the other of said segments to cause said transparent portion tooverlie additional characters on said main disk.

12. 'Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main disk havinga series of signal characters thereon representing a consecutive numberof days; means mounting said disk for rotation about an axis; meansproviding a window through which said characters are visible one at atime during rotation of said disk; a pair of disk segments mounted torotate about said axis; said segments being axially spaced from oneanother and said main disk; said segments being movable between aposition lying one completely eclipsing the other and positions forjointly covering a greater number of said characters than possible withone segment; each segment having a transparent portion through which arevisible one at a time at said window a number of said characters lessthan the total number on said main disk and which represent cycle daysbefore, during and after ovulation of the particular woman for whom themechanism is set; said transparent portions being of a differentappearance than said main disk whereby the characters seen through thetransparent portions are rendered distinctive in appearance from theother of said characters; friction drive means between said main diskand said segments providing for rotation of said segments with said maindisk as well as for rotation of said main disk relative to said segmentswhen the latter 11 are held against rotation; a clockworks; a driveconnec-' tion between said clockworks and said main disk for rotatingsaid main disk at a rate to reveal a different one of said characters atsaid window each 24 hour day; setting means manually operable forrotating said main disk and said segments; a first stop means operableupon predetermined rotation of said main disk and said segments in onedirection to releasably arrest such rotation of both segments wherebycontinued rotation of said main disk in said direction will permit aselected group of said characters to be disposed in a position to beviewed through said transparent portions at said window; and a secondstop means operable in response to rotation of said main disk and saidsegment in the opposite direction following release of the latter bysaid first stop means, for arresting rotation of one of said segmentswhereby combined rotation of said main disk and said one segment in saidopposite direction will dispose additional of said characters inposition to be viewed through said transparent portions.

13. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main signallingmember; a pair of signalling members; means mounting said members forrotation about an axis; said main member having characters thereonrepresenting a consecutive number of days; said members of said paireach having a transparent portion for overlying a number of saidcharacters less than the total number on said main member; thecharacters that are visible through said transparent portionsrepresenting fertile days of the woman for whom the mechanism is set;said transparent portions having an appearance different from that ofsaid main member and said characters; setting means operable foreffecting relative rotation of said main member and said pair of membersto dispose a selected group of consecutive characters in position to beviewed through said transparent portions; said members of said pairbeing of different axial extent from said axis; and stop members movableinto and out of position to engage said members of said pair.

14. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main signallingmember; a pair of signalling members; means mounting said members forrotation about an axis; said main member having characters thereonrepresenting a consecutive number of days; means providing a windowthrough which said characters are visible during rotation of saidmembers; said members of said pair each having a transparent portion foroverlying a number of said characters less than the total number on saidmain member; the characters that are visible at said window through saidtransparent portions representing fertile days of the woman for whom themechanism is set; and transparent portions having a color dificrent fromthat of said main member on said characters; and setting means operablefor effecting relative rotation of said main member and said pair ofmembers to dispose a selected group of consecutive characters inposition to be viewed at said window through said transparent portionsduring rotation of said members; clock mechanism; drive means operatedby said clock mechanism for rotating said mem here at a rate such that adiiferent character is visible at said window each 24 hour day; saidsetting means including a pair of stop members selectively movable intoand out of the path of rotation of said members of said pair.

15. Menstrual cycle indicating mechanism comprising: a main signallingmember; a pair of signalling members; means mounting said members forrotation in axially spaced relation to one another about a common axis;said main member having a series of characters thereon representing aconsecutive number of days; said members of said pair each having atransparent portion through which are visible a number of saidcharacters less than the total number on said main member; setting meansoperable to effect relative rotative movement of said members to set aselected number of said characters representing the estimated fertiledays of a woman, in position to be viewed through said transparentportions; means providing a window through which characters on said mainmember are visible in consecutive order during rotation of said members;said transparent portions having an appearance such that the charactersvisible therethrough are rendered distinct from the other of saidcharacters; means for rotating said members about said axis; and a pairof stop members movable into position to arrest rotative movement ofsaid members of said pair.

16. In indicating mechanism of the character described: a mainsignalling member having signal characters thereon representing aconsecutive number of days; signal means; means mounting said signallingmember and said signal means for relative movement; 'said signal meanshaving at least a portion thereof formed of transparent materialarranged and of a size whereby a selected number of said characters lessthan the total number are visible through the transparent portion; saidtransparent portion having an appearance such that those of saidcharacters visible therethrough are distinguished from the other of saidcharacters; setting means operatively connected with said signallingmember and said signal means operable for effecting relative movementthereof to render a selected group of said characters visible throughsaid transparent portion; stop means movable into and from a positionfor engaging said signal means and stopping movement thereof relative tosaid signalling member; and means for so moving said stop means.

17. In indicating mechanism of the character described: a main diskhaving a group of characters thereon representing a consecutive numberof days; signal disk segments; means mounting said disk and disksegments for relative movement; each of said segments having at least aportion thereof formed of transparent material and arranged so that agroup of said characters less than the total number are visible throughsaid transparent portion; said transparent portions having an appearancesuch that those of the characters visible therethrough are given anappearance distinct from that of the other of said characters; settingmeans operatively connected with said disk and said segments operablefor eflzecting relative movement thereof for rendering a selected groupof said characters visible through the transparent portions of saidsegments; stop members for said segments; each segment having a marginalportion disposed to engage one of said stop members; and means formoving said stop members into and from position to be engaged by saidmarginal portions of said segments.

18. In indicating mechanism of the character described: a mainsignalling member having signal characters thereon representing aconsecutive number of days; signal means; means mounting said signallingmember and said signal means for relative movement; said signal meanshaving means for rendering a number of said characters, less than thetotal number, distinct in appearance from the other of said characters;setting means operatively connected with said signalling member and saidsignal means operable for eifecting relative movement thereof to rendersaid signal means operative to distinguish a selected number of saidcharacters; said setting means including a pair of stop members movableinto and from position to stop movement of said signalling meansrelative to said signalling member; and means for effecting saidrelative movement.

19. In indicating mechanism of the character described: a mainsignalling member having signal characters thereon; means rotatablymounting said member; means providing a window through which saidcharacters are visible; signal means; means mounting said signal meansfor rotation adjacent said main member; said signal means havingprovision for rendering a numbertof said charactween said main memberand said signal means providing for joint rotation thereof and forrotation of said main member relative to said signal means when thelatter is held against rotation; means for releasably holding saidsignal means against rotation; means for imparting rotary movementsimultaneously to said signalling member and said signalling means; saidsignalling means including two relatively movable segments; saidreleasable holding means including two stop members; and means forselectively moving said stop members to stop rotation of said segments.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS RahnNov. 1, 1938 Thalmann Dec. 20, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Dec.31, 1891 Great Britain June 13, 1935 Switzerland June 15, 1956 I UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 2,979 884April 18, 1961 Maurice Gordon It is hereby certified that error appearsin the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the saidLetters Patent should read as corrected below Column 1, line 37, for"with" read without Signed and sealed this-3rd day of October 1961c SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer DAVID L. LADD Commissioner of PatentsUSCOMM-DC UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION April18, 1961 Patent No 2,97%884 Maurice Gordon that error appears in theabove numbered pat- It is hereby certified ent requiring correction andthat the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1 line 37, for with read without Signed and sealed this 3rd dayof October 1961.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer DAVID L. LADD Commissioner of PatentsUSCOMM-DC

